The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1887-09-13
BUT FOR HIS TOE
He Would Probably Have Sue
ceeded in Entering the House.
A LADY HAS A FRIGHTFUL TIME.

"My God Help helpl Is there no one
here to help me?" were cries which attracted
the attention OF Patrolmen Abbott and Taylor,
who were on duty in the rear Of the fourth
ward.
The voice was evidently that Of a woman.
About ten o'clock the two officers were walk
ing leisurely down the railroad track near the
cemetery inspecting box cars. The cries Of
woman reached their ears as they were within
a short distance OF Decatur street. The tone
indicated distress, and the officers hurried for
ward but before they had gone far
the calls ceased. Fearing that some
one had been dealt with foully the officers did
not abandon their search because the cries had
ceased, but with renewed vigor continued.
After walking up and down the railroad tracks
awhile without finding anything they went to
Decatur street and standing upon the sidewalk
in front of Mrs. MUSES. residence and near
Mrs kelly's residence, found half dozen men
III whose midst
AN EXCITED LADY
stood, repeating a distressing story.
Walking into the crowd the officers asked for
an explanation,
"What is the matter? Is that what you are
asking?" said one of the crowd. 'Then I'll
tell you. just a moment ago a large negro
mani jet black and shabby dressed, walked up
to Mrs. Muses. door and attempted to break in,
and that is what's the matter. Didn't you
hear her call p
The officers heard the statement and then
began investigating. Mrs. Muse resides on
Decatur street two or three doors west of
Yonge street, and during the early part of the
night is often left alone with her children.
Shortly before ten o'clock, while the lady was
in her sitting room reading, some one knocked
at the front door. Being alone, Mrs. Muse
was timid about going to the door, and did not
move until the knocking was
REPEATED SEVERAL TINES.
FINALLY when She Dlaced one hand unC0 the
door knob and the other upon the key prepar-
atory to opening, she asked:
"Who is thatY'
A loud knock, accompanied by a vigorous
shake of the door, was the answer.
"Who is that, ask again." said the lady,
beginning to become frightened.
A louder knock and harder shake were the
answer.
IF y9n don't tell me who you are" said the
lady, "I'll shoot YOU
I'm a messenger boy with telegram, [
say" replied the person ON the outside.
Considerable emphasis on the last two words
induced the lady to think that She had failed to
hear what the man had said, and at the same
time it allayed her fears somewhat With an
almost steady hand she turned the key and
opened the door, but opened it slowly and
cautiously.
And it was well that Mrs. Muse was slow and
cautious.
AS the door was only few inches open Mrs.
Muse began to feel that some one on the out
side was pushing, and at the same time OBJ
served foot sticking between the door and
frame. The foot was a large one, shoeless and
black, and with all her fears quickly returning
she
THREW HER BODY AGAINST THE DOOR.
The lady was strong enough to overcome the
pressure on the outside, and then the party on
the outside put forward more strength The
door began to wabble. One second the negro
pushed it in, and the next the lady pushed it
back All the time the battle was going on
the negro was threatening to kill the lady ii
she did not let him in
"Oh," he said, "I'll get in vet and kill
you"
During the swinging in and out of the door,
Mrs. Muses. eyes happened to fall upon the
foot again, and believing that she had dis
covered Vulnerable point, raised her booted
foot and began stamping the negroes toes
AS her boot heel went down upon the foot the
negro gave a howl and ierked it out At the
same time his pressure upon the door weak
ened, and Mrs. Muse Selling the temporary
advantage pushed the door shut and quickly
locked 1t. The negro began pounding again
saying
"oh; you can't keep me out, and when I
get in III cut your throat'
The lady, fearing that the negro would
KEEP HIS THREAT,
commenced calling loudly for help, but the
walls OF the building prevented any one from
hearing her. The negro left the porch and in
the yard picked up a large stone which he
hurled at the door, The door Guivered and
the lady fearing that the negro would break in
hurried to her back door and opening it called
loudly for help. These calls were heard by the
police officers, butwhen they reached the house
the negro had disappeared. IA diligent search
for him failed to disclose his whereab0uts and
the officers, with others who had been drawn
by the cries, turned their attention TO the lady.
who was almost beside herself with fright.
TIE NICARAGUA On ].